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Other states have developed Green Schools Programs… Washington, Wisconsin, Maryland, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Palm Beach County, San Jose, Texas, Georgia and Oregon all have Green School Programs in place.We are ready in North Carolina to have a program of our own!

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The US DoE Green Ribbons Program is like the Olympics of Green SchoolsOnly highest performing schools can win awards and recognition from the Department of Education Program

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The NC Green Schools Recognition Program is like a track team in every School!All North Carolina Schools have the opportunity to move forward in their efforts and receive recognition for their successes and initiatives

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The impetus for a NC GREEN SCHOOLS RECOGNITION PROGRAM has come from a collaboration between:Asheville Buncombe Sustainable Community Initiatives (ABSCI) Pine Jog Educational Center, The NC Office of Environmental Education, Evergreen Community Charter School, The Green Schools National Network… AND ALL OF YOU!

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What is the value of having our own State Program? WE CAN CREATE A ONE STOP SHOP for teachers, students and administrators to access NC state agencies and non profits who are there to support their efforts: NC Project Green NC Office of Environmental Assistance and Outreach State Energy Office NC Environmental Education and Public Affairs Waste Reduction Partners USGBC Green School Chapters One North Carolina NaturallyOur schools have so NC Safe Routes to School NC Wildlife Federation many resources in NC Division of Air Quality Environmental Educators of NCNC but so little time Recycle More NC NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environment to find them and RE3.org understand what they have to offer!

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Current Conditions NC joined the US Dept of Education Green Ribbon Program NC invited to join the National Green Schools Network DPI and others working on NC ABSCI has allocated Environmental Literacy planfunding to jumpstart and Many state resources assigned to support a NC Green Greening NC Institutions Schools Program

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Recognizes North Carolina K-12 public and private schools that encourage cultures of sustainability in 5 NC Green Schools designated areas.Recognition Program From U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

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The NC Green Schools RubricAn easy to follow guideline for earning recognition for the work done at your school

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Creating school grounds that enhance their use as learning environments AND add to the ecological integrity of their community 1 School Ground EnhancementsRain gardens at Evergreen Community Charter School Asheville North Carolina

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School Ground Enhancements 12 Possible Points •Outdoor Learning and or Lab Structures •Habitat Improvement•Restoration Areas on School Grounds or in surrounding community

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Conserving energy and water and the reduction of solid waste through the life cycle of school materials, 2School Sustainability Solar Array at Owen Middle School In Swannanoa North Carolina

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Integrating curriculum that helps students experience and understand the natural environment and their place in it 3Curriculum Integration Outdoor exploration at Hall Fletcher Elementary in Asheville NC

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Building partnerships with the community to foster mutually valuable stewardship opportunities. 4Community Involvement Building a Butterfly Garden at the School of Inquiry and Life Science, Asheville NC

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Community Involvement 16 Possible Points •Partnerships within the School Building •Service Learning•Community Involvement in School Sustainability Activities

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Creating a school philosophy and culture that embraces sustainability, encourages ongoing professional development and sparks the creativity and engagement of all its members. 5Administrative Support The Principle at Jones Elementary in Asheville NC leads the way!

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Innovations will be open- ended and will allow schools to document what new initiatives the school is trying to go above and beyond in becoming a 6 Green School.Innovation

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Innovation 8 Possible Points•Innovations will be open-ended and will allow schools to document what new initiatives the school is trying to go above and beyond in becoming a Green School

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What’s in it for the Schools? •Top green schools will receive cash awards•Green School flag for Green Schools of Excellence•Certificates of Recognition for all schools that place •Media Recognition and Press Releases •Green Seed Money for School Projects

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What are the levels of Green School Recognition Awards? School Of PromiseA school that has scored 40-59 points and is taking the beginning steps to improve sustainability.

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What are the levels of Green School Recognition Awards? School Of QualityA school that has scored 60-79 points and is taking active strides in improving and maintaining sustainable practice.

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What are the levels of Green School Recognition Awards? School Of ExcellenceA school that has scored 80-100 points and shows the highest level of commitment to sustainability..

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How are applications submitted? A narrative responding to the Green Rubric is submitted by school memberApplications due March 9, 2012

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How are applications graded and scored? A team of volunteer judges reviews the submissions and scores them. Each school is reviewed by more than one judge and the average of all scores areSchool will be notified of compiledscores by April 6, 2012

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How does the NC Green SchoolsRecognition Program line up with the US Department of Education Green Ribbons Program?

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The major components of the application include: *A cover sheet completed and signed by the principal, SAC chair, and two lead teachers *A narrative summary of your schools green activities. *Documentation of all required criteria for recognition.Application are due March 9, 2012